Name: Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ⅛ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk

Craving something that tastes like a warm cinnamon hug but fits in the palm of your hand? These Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies deliver the comforting swirl of a classic cinnamon roll in bite-sized cookie form. With golden, tender edges and a gooey cinnamon-sugar center, they’re a dreamy treat for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon nibble.

Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls, these cookies skip the long rise and deliver all the flavor in a fraction of the time. The soft cookie base gives just the right chew, while the drizzle of sweet vanilla glaze melts into every crevice. It’s a perfect mashup of cookie and pastry, ready to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the dough, make sure you have the right tools at hand:

Rolling Pin: Essential for evenly rolling out the dough to ensure uniform cookie layers and a perfect swirl.
Baking Sheet: A nonstick or parchment-lined sheet keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Sharp Knife or Dental Floss: To slice through the cookie dough log cleanly without squashing the swirls.
Mixing Bowls: One for the dough and another for the cinnamon-sugar filling and glaze.
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar smoothly, giving your dough that fluffy start.
Piping Bag or Spoon: Helpful when drizzling the glaze with control and precision.

Having these tools ready will make the entire process smoother and ensure your cookies turn out beautifully every time.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Every ingredient in these cookies works toward that iconic cinnamon roll experience, scaled down to a cookie format:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps the cookies hold their swirled shape.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a soft, tender dough while adding rich flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and balances the filling.
Brown Sugar: Key in the cinnamon filling, it caramelizes slightly and deepens the flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show—aromatic, warm, and the signature flavor of these cookies.
Egg: Binds the dough and provides moisture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a comforting, bakery-style note.
Baking Powder: Adds a bit of lift to the cookie texture.
Salt: Just a pinch makes all the sweet notes pop.
Powdered Sugar & Milk: For the glaze that melts into every swirl and brings the final touch of sweetness.

How To Make the Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies

Step 1: Make the Dough Base

Cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture to form a soft, pliable dough.

Step 2: Roll and Fill

On a floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dough.

Step 3: Roll Up the Dough

Starting from the long edge, gently roll the dough into a tight log. Chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up for clean slicing.

Step 4: Slice and Bake

Using a sharp knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 1/2-inch slices. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until just golden around the edges.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let set before serving.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies

These Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Cookies are best enjoyed slightly warm with the glaze just set. Serve them alongside your morning coffee, as a sweet addition to brunch, or on a holiday dessert platter. For a next-level experience, warm them for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Simply thaw and glaze when ready to serve for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the dough from sticking while rolling?

Lightly flour your rolling surface and rolling pin. If the dough is still sticky, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before rolling again.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 24 hours in advance. You can also freeze the rolled log and slice it when ready to bake.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the glaze?

No problem. Use a spoon or even a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off to drizzle the glaze evenly over the cookies.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Yes! Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled over the cinnamon sugar filling before rolling the dough. Raisins can also be added for a more classic cinnamon roll vibe.

How thick should I slice the cookies?

Aim for 1/2-inch slices. Any thinner and the cookies may overbake; thicker slices may not cook evenly.

Do these taste like real cinnamon rolls?

They absolutely do. While the texture is more cookie than bread, the flavor mimics the swirl, sweetness, and spice of a freshly baked cinnamon roll.

Want More Cinnamon Dessert Ideas?

If cinnamon treats are your weakness, you’re in good company. You might also love the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe — moist, fluffy, and coated in that sugary spice goodness. For something quick and satisfying, the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes combine creamy filling with buttery crusts and a cinnamon swirl.

If you lean toward fruity with your cinnamon, don’t skip the Apple Enchiladas, which wrap spiced apples in warm tortillas baked in caramel sauce. And if you’re craving a morning indulgence, the Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes deliver soft texture with endless topping potential.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you tweak the filling? Add nuts or a caramel drizzle? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others bake it.

And for more sweet creations like these, follow along on my Pinterest LadyPlate where I share daily dessert inspiration!